be intent on

USAGE SUMMARY

"be intent on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe the attitude of someone who is determined to accomplish something. For example, "He was intent on finding a solution to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

PSG are believed to be intent on capitalising on the fact Paris is a one-club city and want to become one of the top 10 sporting brands in the world.

BBC

One of the first places you should be intent on clearing is parts of the house where loved ones are known to be.

WikiHow

Adjusted for the other significant relationships, moderate users who attached higher importance to 'Drinking gives me a thrilling feeling' were less likely to be intent on change and more likely to have no intention to change.

European Journal of Public Health

Two schools in Hilla that were to serve as polling sites were blown up by homemade bombs; no one was killed, but the explosions suggested that insurgents might be intent on attacking voters and not just candidates.

The New York Times

Rather than creating conventional suspense, Straight seems to be intent on inspecting the fragments of broken lives, constructing scenes that loop back on one another to show us the action from different angles.

The New York Times - Books

"We should not only be intent on losing weight.

Independent

Rochdale, boasting the best home record in League Two, will be intent on compounding McDermott's pain.

The Guardian - Sport

Conservatives may be intent on excavating a hero, but Coolidge is no model for the present.

The New York Times - Books

Even more than before, Mr Plattner seems to be intent on making his voice heard.

The Economist

Mr. Lawlor succumbs to the generally grotesque mood Mr. Barnes seems to be intent on evoking.

The New York Times

Gatlin and Gay will be intent on ruining that Jamaican rivalry.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be intent on" to clearly convey a firm purpose or focused determination towards a specific goal. It's effective in formal and informal contexts to highlight commitment.

Common error

While "be intent on" is versatile, avoid overusing it in very informal settings where simpler alternatives like "focused on" or "determined to" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be intent on" is to act as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, indicating a state of focused determination. This is supported by the Ludwig AI which confirms the correctness of the phrase. It connects a subject with their purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be intent on" effectively conveys a strong sense of purpose and focused determination. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and widely used in English. It functions as an adjectival phrase, primarily used in News & Media, Wiki and Encyclopedias, making it versatile for both formal and informal contexts. While highly versatile, remember to consider your audience and context when choosing it over alternatives like "be determined to" or "be focused on".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be determined to

Emphasizes resolve and commitment, slightly stronger in tone than "be intent on".

be resolved to

Conveys a strong sense of purpose and determination, often in the face of opposition.

be set on

Indicates a firm decision or plan, similar in strength to "be intent on".

be bent on

Suggests a strong, possibly stubborn, determination to achieve something.

be focused on

Highlights concentration and attention, rather than firm intention.

have every intention of

Expresses a clear plan, focusing on the intention rather than immediate action.

be driven to

Highlights the motivating force behind the action, suggesting strong internal pressure.

be aiming to

Focuses on the goal or objective, rather than the strength of intention.

be keen on

Indicates enthusiasm and eagerness, which is a weaker form of intention.

be eager to

Implies enthusiasm and anticipation, which are less forceful than firm intent.

FAQs

How can I use "be intent on" in a sentence?

You can use "be intent on" to describe someone's focused determination. For example, "She was intent on finishing the project ahead of schedule".

What's a good alternative to "be intent on"?

Alternatives include "be determined to", "be focused on", or "be set on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "be intent to" instead of "be intent on"?

No, the correct construction is "be intent on". The preposition "on" is required to link "intent" with the object of the intention.

What is the difference between "be intent on" and "be eager to"?

"Be intent on" implies a firm purpose and determination, while "be eager to" suggests enthusiasm and anticipation. "Intent" is a stronger, more focused commitment.